Randall A. Cook

A lifelong resident of the community he loved, Randall Cook was the sort of person everyone seemed to know. He was well known and respected as a business owner but also as someone who was involved within his community. Randy was thrilled to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who filled his heart with joy. Although he will be deeply missed, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. With the end of the war in 1945, rationing was no longer in place and manufacturing was no longer focused on supporting the war effort. In the years that followed, America was focused on being a nation at peace once again. Amidst this traditional time was a time of great celebration in the lives of Jack and Gloria (Gruesbeck) Cook as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby boy they named Randall A. on July 6, 1947, in Allen County, Indiana. Raised in nearby Whitley County, he was the oldest of four children as he was raised alongside his siblings, Ross, Ryan, and Reisa.

It was as a young boy that Randy fell in love with sports. One of the first sports he tried was bowling, which isnt really all that surprising since his grandfather owned Cook Lanes. Randy also attended local schools including Columbia City Joint High School where he was a three sport athlete as he played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating from high school in 1965, Randy attended the University of Cincinnati for architecture.

Throughout his life Randy was known for his hard work. For a time he owned Cocineros Restaurant in Syracuse. While he was trying to come up with ideas for the new restaurant, Randys family spent a lot of time going out to dinner to try new places and menu items. Of course he never left a place without taking their menu home. Owning the restaurant was a great fit as Randy was social and outgoing. As a result, he made many friends. After leaving the restaurant business, he went to work for Copper River Cabinet Company in Fort Wayne. Randy spent more than 20 years there working as a designer.

Nothing was more important in Randys life than his family. He was blessed to become a father to three amazing children including Lori, Zachary, and Rhett. Randy loved nothing more than spending time with his family when his parents had their home on Lake Wawasee. So many of their priceless memories were made there, especially on his parents houseboat, the Glory-Jac. Gathering with the Cook family on Christmas Eve was Randys favorite time of year, and as the family grew over the years it became more like a family reunion because there were so many people. He loved catching up with family and talking sports. Once things quieted down, it was customary for Randy to take on his father and brothers in a friendly game of Euchre. He also loved taking trips to Atlantic City with his dad and brothers.

A man of many interests, Randy was always busy. He continued bowling as an adult, playing in leagues with family and friends and traveling around the country to participate in bowling tournaments. According to his brother, he was the best bowler in Columbia City for a time. Within his community, Randy was a member of Elks Lodge #1417, Columbia City and American Legion Post #253, North Webster. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan, and he tried to attend games as often as he could. Randys family always had the best time when they were with him at these games. He also enjoyed Notre Dame football and IU basketball as well as golfing with his friends and family. Randy loved playing cards and tried to get a game in whenever he could. When relaxing, he liked watching western movies and shows like Law Order and Two and a Half Men.

With a beautiful smile and a laugh that was contagious to all who were near, Randall Cook was the heartbeat of wherever he went. A friend of Randys was a friend for life, and he was forever trying to help others in whatever way he could. It was easy to see that Randy was so proud of his family, and it was when he was with his loved ones that he was truly happy. Life will never be the same without Randy here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

Randall A. Randy Cook, of North Webster, IN, passed away on Thursday November 3, 2016, at his residence. Randys family includes his children, Lori (Rob) DeSomer of Warsaw, Zachary (Joy) Cook of Fort Wayne, and Rhett Cook of Goshen; 5 Grandchildren, Brittany (Trevor) Ritter, Matthew Powell, Dylan DeSomer, Darian DeSomer, and Jac Cook; 2 great-grandchildren, Allizabeth Ritter, Trenton Ritter and another due in January; siblings, Ryan (Karen) Cook and Reisa (John) Snyder, both of Columbia City; sister-in-law Becky Cook of Columbia City. Randy was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ross Cook; and great-grandson, Trace Ritter. Friends may call on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. An Elks service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with funeral services to immediately follow at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Randy may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to sign the online guest register or to send a condolence.